ISAK AND GAKPO RULED OUT OF LIVERPOOL'S CLASH WITH MAN CITY

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will both miss the Premier League match against Manchester City at Anfield. Isak picked up a thigh injury and left Sweden's squad early during the international break, while Gakpo suffered an ankle injury after playing just 17 minutes against Serbia and returned to Liverpool early. Iraola has opened the door to Lewis Koumas potentially being involved in the squad this weekend. The match will be the first for Manchester City since the club was found guilty over 115 financial charges, a verdict the club has already appealed against. Enzo Maresca's side has made a 100% start to the Premier League season so far this term.

The absence of Isak leaves Liverpool short of attacking options up front, given Hugo Ekitike's continuing long-term absence, according to reports on the squad situation. Liverpool have received some positive injury news elsewhere in the squad, with a player who suffered a hamstring strain and missed France's fixture against Belgium now available to face City. That player has settled into the Liverpool defence alongside Virgil van Dijk this season. Gakpo's ankle injury is not expected to keep him out for a long period, though Iraola says he will not be available for the City fixture specifically.

The fixture is expected to carry additional significance given the atmosphere anticipated at Anfield following City's guilty verdict, with attention set to fall on how City's players respond under pressure. Liverpool's team news means Iraola must contend with selection issues in attack and defence heading into the match. Further updates on team selection are expected to follow before kick-off.